Remembering the Impact of Residential Schools on Indigenous Lives

On September 30, marked as Orange Shirt Day or Truth and Reconciliation Day, Indigenous communities across Canada reflect on the painful legacy of residential schools. This day serves as a solemn reminder of the suffering endured by Indigenous peoples, while also offering a glimmer of hope for a more inclusive future.

The residential school system was implemented as part of a colonial strategy by the Canadian government, aiming to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture. This initiative mirrored the governance models of colonial powers, particularly drawing from historical precedents established in Quebec. Following the fall of Quebec in 1759, the British turned to the church to manage social services, education, and health care, effectively outsourcing governance to religious institutions while minimizing costs.

The Impact of the Residential School System

Under treaties with First Nations, the government agreed to establish schools on reserves, which were to be administered by churches. These institutions, however, operated under the guise of cultural education with the underlying objective of erasing Indigenous identities. The intent was clear: to remove the “Indian” from the child. While the government did not explicitly state this aim, the outcome was cultural genocide.

Resistance to the system was palpable. Many children attempted to escape the grasp of these institutions, often with tragic outcomes. The conditions in these schools were dire; the first boarding schools were constructed from wood and posed significant fire hazards. In Saskatchewan, numerous schools burned down, including one in La Ronge that was evacuated without injuries, and another at Beauval that resulted in the deaths of 19 boys aged eight to eleven.

The tragic event at Beauval highlighted the harsh realities of life in residential schools. The boys were from Canoe Lake, English River, La Loche, and Beauval, and their deaths underscored the ongoing dangers faced by children in these institutions.

Honoring the Legacy of Survivors

The symbol of Truth and Reconciliation Day is an orange shirt, which was taken from six-year-old Phyllis Jack Webstad at the Williams Lake residential school. Given to her by her mother, the shirt represented her individuality and a connection to family—elements that were systematically stripped away in the pursuit of assimilation. Today, we honor Phyllis and her mother, recognizing their strength and the enduring bond that could not be severed.

The legacy of residential schools is one of pain and loss, but it also marks a turning point. Many Indigenous communities have taken steps towards reclaiming their educational systems. They now advocate for Indigenous control over education, developing schools that reflect their cultures and values. Indigenous teachers are emerging, providing education rooted in First Nations perspectives and histories.

While the physical structures of these boarding schools no longer exist, the memories and lessons learned from this dark chapter in history must not be forgotten. As Doug Cuthand, an Indigenous affairs columnist and member of the Little Pine First Nation, emphasizes, we must remember the profound price paid by Indigenous peoples as a result of colonial policies aimed at cultural erasure.

In recognizing the past, Canadians are called to reflect on how to foster true reconciliation moving forward. The stories of survivors and the ongoing journey towards healing and understanding are crucial in shaping a better future for Indigenous peoples and all Canadians.